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Over two dozen Olympic medallists, trainers and further world-class competitors have signed a appeal demanding a halt to the capital punishment of a boxing champion and trainer, who is sentenced to die in the country.

Increasing International Outrage

Amid increasing worldwide anger over Iran’s escalating use of executions as a instrument of suppression, the strongly worded letter censures the government's decision to confirm the execution order of the boxing champion.

The athlete, 30, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was arrested for being involved in national uprisings in 2019 and indicted of aiding an opposition group. He has spent 60 months in incarceration, where he has been tortured and kept in seclusion.

“Competition is designed to encourage faith, togetherness, and bravery,” the endorsers stated. “The capital punishment of a winner for his opinions is a direct assault on these values and a caution to all sportspeople who ventures to express dissent.

Pattern of Executing Athletes

The statement pointed out that the boxer's situation was part of a pattern and highlighted the country's history of putting to death sports champions for their views, for example a football captain, captain of the football side, and a women's sports leader, captain of the female volleyball side. In two thousand twenty, a wrestling champion, a 27-year-old Iranian competitor, was put to death.

Other supporters to the appeal consist of Tracy Edwards, who captained the pioneering women's squad in a international sailing event and was the pioneering lady to receive a prestigious nautical honor; the previous captain of the national squad Craig Foster; and a footballer, who was in the national team for the international competition.

Apprehension and Unjust Proceedings

Vafaei Sani was taken into custody in the spring of 2020. The accusations against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and damage of government belongings”. His verdict has been overturned twice but on October 4 it was maintained on the third occasion. His legal proceedings was criticized as “deeply biased” by advocates and organizations.

Appeal to United Nations

The urging to prevent the athlete's execution comes after a previous statement to the UN high commissioner for freedoms, signed by in excess of 100 advocates and organizations, urging measures to stop the sports figure's capital punishment.

Death Penalty Surge

Based on findings, there is an “capital punishment escalation in Iran, which has reached shocking levels”. In 2023, officials put to death at least over 850 people – a 48% increase on the previous year. Last year, data showed 972 deaths, constituting the highest number since two thousand fifteen. Over eight hundred people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and dissidents are targets, notably in the aftermath of the 2022 uprising. Specialists say the government have utilized the capital punishment to stifle dissent, instil anxiety among the public and tighten their grip on power.